On September 16, 2023, we officially kicked off our 8th year of ministry with our annual Field Day. The day was filled with games, target practice, skeet shooting, archery, face painting, bounce house, food, live music, fellowship and the word of God. We were blessed with about 90 in attendance with over 50 being youth from all over the state of Mississippi. The kids were broken up into three different age groups and then cycled through the different activity stations. The parents and adults enjoyed some fellowship with one another and the laughter of the children in the background. Words can not describe just how thankful we are for our volunteers who helped make this day such a success.
Once the youth finished with all of the planned activities, it was time to slow down and enjoy all the wonderful food they smelled cooking all morning. After lunch everyone gathered around for a time of worship. Our service began with a couple of songs from a family involved with ministry and followed by a fantastic message from Brother John Staszefski. His message was powerful and passionately given. He shared how amazing and important salvation is and how accepting Christ is the only way to reach Heaven. The message talked about how Salvation is the beginning of our walk with Christ and how growth as a Christian is important. He used visual aids on the steps of a ladder to explain the steps every person should be taking to grow and walk closer to Christ. He explained how important growth in faith is, ways to achieve growth, and encouraged everyone to seek growth in their lives. The message was followed by more music from the Leyendecker family which included songs like: “Old Rugged Cross”, “By Your Grace”, “Closer Walk With Thee”, and “I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand”.
Brother John and the Leyendeckers didn’t get a chance to talk about what message was going to be brought that day or how the music could coincide with the message, but God knew and his plan is always greater than anything we could come up with. After the music ended our guest began saying goodbye and a successful Field Day was concluded.
We truly had an amazing day and it was wonderful to fellowship with other believers. The fact that so many come as strangers yet, at the end of the day they feel like family is definitely one of my favorite parts of Briar Ridge. I believe this is the way Christ intended for his church to look. I feel He wants anyone to be able to join in and feel accepted. Christ was accepting of everyone He came in contact with and didn’t point out people’s flaws or pass judgment with a quick look. He went to the heart of people’s problems and left most with the words to, ‘Go and sin no more.’ He accepted people as they were, He motivated people to change, but He didn’t pass judgment. So, today I would like to encourage each of us to examine our own lives. Do we readily accept others and make them feel loved? Do we offer friendship openly, or do we turn away from people that need us most? Jesus probably wouldn’t fit into most of our circles today as He was surrounded by outcasts and shunned by the religious of His day. Today a lot of us want to pick and choose who we associate with. I pray that we realize that when we choose, we are taking Christ out of the equation and not letting Him lead or guide us in our relationships.
Lord, help us to open our hearts and listen for your voice. Help us to reach out to those around us that need to feel Your love and acceptance. Help us to stay humble and realize that we are no better than anyone, and that we are all in need of a Savior.
Love in Christ,
Briar Ridge Children’s Ministry
